Phase I Cultural Resources Survey and Systematic Metal Detection of the 68-Acre Bob Fleming Tract and Phase II Testing of Three Sites (9CO770, 9CO771, and 9CO773) Cobb County, Georgia

On July 19, 2017, Brockington and Associates, Inc. (Brockington) conducted a Phase I archaeological survey of the six-acre Bob Fleming Study Area in Cobb County, Georgia. The study area is composed of two areas on either side of an unnamed branch of Allatoona Creek within the larger 68-acre Bob Fleming Tract between County Road, Dallas Highway, Myrtle Creek Trail, and Bob Fleming Road. Brockington conducted this survey on behalf of Planners and Engineers Collaborative, Inc. (PEC) ahead of proposed residential development. Initially, the two smaller areas that comprise the six-acre Bob Fleming Study Area were selected for Phase I survey required by permit stipulations pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33

CFR 320-330) for the United States Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdictional lands as regulated by the Savannah District. The study areas were defined around rock piles observed by the Savannah District archaeologist during a site visit. The goal of the initial investigation was to evaluate these rock piles, and locate and evaluate all archaeological sites and historic resources within the study areas. Archival research indicated extensive Civil War military activity in the study area vicinity. We excavated shovel tests at 30-meter intervals and conducted systematic metal detection of the Bob Fleming Study Area (30-meter lanes). As a result of this investigation, Brockington identified one Pre-Contact lithic scatter (9CO769), two rock piles (9CO770 and 9CO771), and recovered three fired Civil War bullets. Based on the initial survey investigation (Whitacre and Butler 2017), USACE required the permit applicant to complete full Phase I survey of the entire 68-acre tract. Brockington returned to the tract between August 31 and September 8, 2017 and conducted a Phase I systematic shovel testing and metal detection survey, as well as Phase II testing of the rock piles at Sites 9CO770 and 9CO771 on behalf of PEC. Brockington conducted both the initial and complete surveys in compliance with all relevant federal and state cultural resources legislation and guidelines as well as the guidelines pertaining to the protection of archaeological resources and the procedures for conducting field investigation within Georgia. All Brockington personnel are qualified under the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (36

CFR Part 61 Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation). Background research identified no previously recorded archaeological sites within the project tract. However, we identified two previously documented architectural resources (Resource Nos. 15020 and 204672). Archival research also indicated extensive Civil War military activity in the area. The Bob Fleming Tract is located within the Pine Hill and Gilgal Church battlefield study areas, as previously defined by the National Park Service on maps which accompany the 1993 Civil War Sites Advisory Commission (NPS CWSAC) Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields. An architectural survey was conducted within the Bob Fleming Tract and the project view shed (0.25-mile buffer). No historic buildings (older than 50 years) are currently standing within the 68-acre tract. The houses previously recorded as Resource Nos. 15020 and 204672 were bulldozed in the interval between the initial investigation and subsequent Phase I survey. These resources were recorded by Brockington personnel as archaeological sites (9CO772 and 9CO774, respectively). We identified another eight architectural resources (older than 50

years) within the project view shed, three of which were previously documented (Resource Nos. 15033, 15036, and 204730) and five of which are newly identified (Resource 1; Resource 2; Resource 3; Resource 4; Resource 5). None of the historic resources are considered eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. Phase I field investigations consisted of surface examination and 30-meter interval shovel testing within the entire 68-acre Bob Fleming Project Tract. Due to the recorded Civil War activity, Brockington conducted systematic metal detection survey along 30-meter interval transects. Phase II testing consisted of the excavation of 1-by-1-meter test units within rock piles at Sites 9CO770 and 9CO771 and potential rock pile features at Site 9CO773. Six previously unrecorded archaeological sites (9CO769; 9CO770; 9CO771; 9CO772; 9CO773; 9CO774) and two isolated finds were identified during shovel testing, metal detection, and surface examination. We completed Phase II investigations at three sites (9CO770; 9CO771; 9CO773) to determine

potential for Pre-Contact burials beneath the rock piles. No evidence of burials or cremations

were identified. Table i summarizes information for all newly recorded cultural resources within the Bob Fleming Tract. Sites 9CO769 represents a small, low-density Pre-Contact lithic scatter. A nineteenth to twentieth century rock line feature is also located within the boundary of 9CO769. Site 9CO770 consists of a historic quartz rock pile. Based on our Phase I and Phase II investigations, this rock pile is related to historic agricultural land clearing and rock collection practices. Sites 9CO772 and 9CO774 are domestic sites related to demolished historic houses (Resource Nos. 15020 and 204672). Site 9CO773 consists of a twentieth century rock and trash dump. These sites do not fulfill the criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. No further management consideration of these resources is warranted. Site 9CO771 is a large multicomponent site consisting of a historic quartz rock pile, a Pre-Contact lithic scatter, and a Civil War artifact scatter associated with three sets of earthworks. Based on our Phase I and Phase II investigations, the rock pile is related to historic agricultural land clearing and rock collection practices. The Pre-Contact lithic scatter and rock pile do not fulfill the criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. However, we recommend the Civil War component represents a significant historic event in Cobb County history. The Civil War component of 9CO771 consists of a dispersed military artifact scatter and eroded and degraded earthworks. Based on our investigation, the site is likely associated

with a significant cavalry delaying action fought by Brigadier General Lawrence S. Ross’ Texas Brigade (Confederate). As part of General William H. “Red” Jackson’s Cavalry Division, Ross’ Brigade were tasked with protecting General Joseph Johnston’s left flank as the Confederates retreated to the Mud Creek Line after the Battle of Gilgal Church. Brigadier General Milo Hascall’s (Federal) 2nd Division, 23rd Corps attacked the Confederates in heavy column formation at the project tract. Site 9CO771 likely represents a portion of the “spirited action” which was fought west of the Green Plantation House on June 17, 1864. Site 9CO771 represents a portion of a larger (previously undefined) Civil War battlefield, which we name here as “Ross’ Delaying Action at Green Plantation.” We recommend the Civil War component of Site 9CO771 eligible for the NRHP under Criterion A, events. Under Criterion A, an archaeological site is required to be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad pattern of history (Savage and Pope 1998). Based upon our review, we suggest this site exhibits historic and archaeological integrity and has the potential to contribute to a broader comprehension of the Civil War 1864 Atlanta Campaign. Assuming agency concurrence with our NRHP eligible recommendation, avoidance of the site is recommended. If the development cannot be designed to avoid potential adverse effects, then mitigation measures may be necessary, developed in consultation with the reviewing agencies (Savannah District USACE and GHPD). We offer several mitigation options in Chapter 7.